Centre 'closely observing' volcanic ash movement, assures 'no immediate threat'

Air travel across India faced major interruptions after volcanic ash from an eruption in Ethiopia drifted over the region, leading to numerous flight delays and cancellations nationwide.

The civil aviation ministry stated that it is coordinating with ATC, IMD, airlines, and global aviation bodies to maintain smooth operations. (Hindustan Times)

The ministry added that it is collaborating with the air traffic control (ATC), the India Meteorological Department (IMD), airline operators, and international aviation organizations to ensure uninterrupted communication and safety amid the situation caused by volcanic ash. Follow live updates on the Ethiopian eruption

After the eruption, the ash plume moved across Yemen, Oman, and the Arabian Sea by Monday evening, entering Gujarat and Rajasthan before reaching Delhi around midnight. Throughout Tuesday, it spread further across eastern and northeastern India.

Posting on X, the ministry said it is "closely monitoring" developments and will continue sharing timely information to guarantee passenger safety.

The ministry also reaffirmed that air traffic throughout the country "remains smooth", while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued the required NOTAMs and is keeping affected airlines updated.

"There is no immediate cause for concern," the ministry emphasized.

The IMD reported that the volcanic ash cloud "is gradually moving toward China through eastern and northeastern India".

According to flight tracker Flightradar24, the ash plume is currently visible over northern India and "rapidly moving in the direction of China".

Discussing its impact, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told ANI that the volcanic ash is present only in the upper troposphere, “affecting flight routes but not air quality or weather conditions.”

"We expect the ash to drift completely out of India by this evening," he noted.

Narottam Sahoo, an advisor at the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology, explained that the dormant Ethiopian volcano became active again after 12,000 years due to regional tectonic movement.

The IMD estimates that the ash cloud will exit Indian airspace by 14:00 GMT (7:30 pm local time) on Tuesday.